RoadVitals

2005 Volvo XC70

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest May 2, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 14, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Volvo XC70, most frequently naming the transmission, fuel system and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 181 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Transmission620.7%
  • Fuel system310.3%
  • Driver assistance310.3%
  • Electrical310.3%
  • Visibility26.9%
  • Powertrain (other)26.9%
  • Seat belts26.9%
  • Suspension26.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Oct 14, 2021
194,546 units potentially affected
The defect: Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacturer number R10136View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Nov 8, 2010
416 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R231View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Mar 29, 2007
13,128 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed May 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11463065
Incident
Oct 14, 2021
Airbags
Filed Dec 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 ( Air Bag ) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable till approximately 2 weeks to 2 months. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was displaying a warning message that stated "Safety Check," however, they were not sure if it was or was not directly related to the air bags. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Vin tool confirms parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11444426
Incident
Oct 14, 2021
Filed Dec 6, 2018

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED WHILE DRIVING ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20TH AT ABOUT 4:45PM. I WAS NEAREST MY LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP (ELDORADO AUTOMOTIVE) AND THE TECH PLUGGED IN THE COMPUTER GADGET THAT READS WHAT IS HAPPENING AND TOLD ME A HOUSING UNDER THE HOOD NEEDED TO BE REMOVED TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. I TOOK THE CAR IN THE NEXT MORNING AND FOUND OUT THE MY TIMING BELT WAS ABOUT 1/2 SHREDDED AND READY TO BREAK AT ANY MOMENT. I WAS TOLD I COULDN'T DRIVE IT AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 FOLLOWING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. I HAVE A 2005 WAGON AND THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED BY VOLVO AT 125K. THE CAR NOW HAS 165K MILES. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I DID NOT HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND A RUINED ENGINE. IT WAS JUST COINCIDENCE THAT THIS UNRELATED ISSUE REQUIRED A MORE THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE HOUSING WHERE THE TIMING BELT IS. TIMING BELTS ARE NOT WARRANTIED BY THE VOLVO 2015 LIFETIME WARRANTY PLAN (NO SURPRISE THERE) BUT AN AVERAGE BELT LASTS UPWARDS OF 100K MILES AND IS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED AT/NEAR THAT TIME. I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS SHOWING WHEN THE BELT WAS REPLACED AND YET VOLVO IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS PRODUCT. I DON'T SEE ANY GREY AREA HERE. THIS COULD IN NO WAY BE SOMETHING THAT WAS DONE BY ME. IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER EITHER DID NOT INSTALL THE BELT AT 125K OR IT WAS CLEARLY A FAULTY UNIT. I SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO VOLVO CORPORATE FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND WAS DENIED. I HAVE REQUESTED A WRITTEN ACCOUNTING OF WHY THE CLAIM WAS DENIED. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WHO HAS ZERO AUTHORITY TO DO ANYTHING. I HAVE ALSO REQUESTED NAMES OF THE PERSONS IN MANAGEMENT WHO MADE THE DECISION. FEELS LIKE A HUGE SAFETY RISK. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA ID
11156652
Incident
Nov 20, 2018
Mileage
165 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 25, 2017

TIRE INFO PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING 215/65/R16 98H MADE IN CHINA. DOT #5WA6 00A 4813 IN MARCH 2016 I GOT A NEW/USED CERTIFIED CAR FROM A DEALER IN ORLANDO FL THE CAR CAME WITH NEW TIRES. NOT SURE WHERE THE TIRES WERE SOLD/INSTALLED, BUT AFTER I DROVE ABOUT 11 000 MILES, ONE OF THE REAR TIRE STARTS TO LOSE PRESSURE ABOUT 1 PSI/DAY. ON 8/14/2016 I TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL TIRE PLUS STORE IN GAINESVILLE FL FOR INSPECTION ADDRESS: 2605 SW 34TH ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32608, PHONE: (352) 231-8422-THE TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE TIRE AND SAID IT IS FINE AND SOME AIR LOSS IS NORMAL-EVEN I TOLD HIM THAT ONLY ONE TIRE DOES THAT AND I HAVE TO PUMP AIR EVERY WEEK TO PREVENT RUNNING FLAT. ONE MONTH LATER 10/16/2017 ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH I SUDDENLY I FELT AN EXPLOSION/STRONG VIBRATION AND LOST CONTROL. THE ROAD WAS CLEAR I DID NOT HIT ANY DEBRIS THAT CAN AFFECT THE TIRES. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME, SO I COULD PULL ON THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THE POLICE OFFICER(COLLINS)CAR THAT STOPPED TO SEE IF I AM OK ,SAW THE TIRE AND TOLD ME IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE SINCE THE DEFECTIVE TIRE WAS ON THE BACK NOT ON THE FRONT AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. I DISCOVERED THE SAME REAR TIRE I HAD PROBLEMS WITH BEFORE EXPLODED, LOST PART OF THE TREAD DUE TO THE BREAK OF INTERNAL STEEL BELT . I CHANGED THE TIRE WITH THE RESERVE AND I TOOK THE CAR AGAIN TO TIRE PLUS STORE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE TECHNICIAN RECOGNIZED THE TIRE IS DEFECTIVE BUT REFUSED TO REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ON THE LAST RECALL FROM PRIMAEWELL .(17T-013) SO I HAD TO PAY OVER $190 FOR A NEW PAIR TIRE SINCE THE CAR IS AWD AND CANNOT HAVE DIFFERENT TIRE AND STORE DO NOT SELL ANYMORE THIS BRAND(WANDER WHY?) PROBABLY MORE OF THIS PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE NOT ONLY THOSE LISTED ON THE RECALL, CHINESE MANUFACTURING IS FAMOUS FOR KILLING CONSUMERS WITH AMERICAN BUSINESS COMPLICITY-THIS IS ANOTHER SUCH CASE.. I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHER 2 SIMILAR TIRES STILL ON MY CAR TODAY AND I FEAR THEY WILL EXPLODE

NHTSA ID
11039586
Incident
Oct 16, 2017
Mileage
115,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 22, 2016

EGNISSION TURNS BUT TURNS OFF AFTER A HALF SECOND AFTER TURNING KEY TO START CAR. HALF TANK STILL WON'T START. IT WAS PARKED AND TRYING TO START CAR. THE DAY BEFORE THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND IN PARK WITH AC RUNING AND CAR WAS MAKING NOISE AS SHUTTERING OR GOING IN AND OUT OF GEARS. CODE READS FULE PUMP MODAL

NHTSA ID
10897812
Incident
Aug 22, 2016
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 7, 2015

THE AWD SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO SPIN THE FRONT WHEELS CONSTANTLY. ALSO TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WANTS TO DRIFT INTO THE OTHER LANES ON ITS OWN. DEALER TELLS ME IT IS THE ANGLE GEAR SLEEVE ON THE TRANSFER CASE OR THE TRANSFER CASE GEAR. TO ME ITS OBVIOUS THAT VOLVO DESIGNED THE PART TO FAIL. HOW CAN GEAR THAT IS SEALED FAIL WITH NORMAL USE? SO THE REPAIR WILL COULD COST UP TO $3600. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB. THIS IS SO COMMON ITS RIDICULES. NEVER BUY A VOLVO AGAIN. I BOUGHT THIS CAR TO HAVE A SAFE AWD. OH IT S SAFE... AS LONG AS ITS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID
10780469
Incident
Sep 1, 2015
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 3, 2015

CAR OCCASIONALLY LOOSES POWER OR STALL WHEN DRIVING ON HIGH WAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF. SYMPTOMS OFF AND ON. DANGEROUS DRIVING ON FREEWAY BECAUSE IT LOST POWER FOR 2 SECONDS THEN REGAIN MORE POWER IN ACCELERATING SPEED. IT HAD RECALLED NO 181 ON 2004 MODEL, MINE IS 2005 SOLD ON 2005 JANUARY. THE REPORT DESCRIBES AS FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM

NHTSA ID
10779461
Incident
Nov 25, 2014
Mileage
800,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 2, 2014

MY WIFE'S 2005 VOLVO XC70 PROBLEM IS THAT PERIODICALLY WHEN YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR AND ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE KEY YOU CAN'T. THE CAR MAKES A NOISE LIKE IT CONTINUES TO RUN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND SOMETIMES YOU CAN THEN REMOVE THE KEY. UNFORTUNATELY THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10640695
Incident
Dec 10, 2013
Mileage
60,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

19245

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo XC70 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017000
2016720
2015610
2014220
2013820
2012142038.0
2011153044.3
2010155047.1
2009155049.0
2008398048.6
2007252043.1
2006183039.1
2005Viewing273045.3
20041014047.8
2003245044.2
2002354148.3
2001665150.0
2000000
1999000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.